Whipworms and Intestinal Threadworms

Abstract

Whipworms (genus Trichuris) parasitize the lower bowel of humans, domestic animals, and wild animals. The species of Trichuris that are important in small animal practice are T. vulpis in the dog and T. campanula and T. serrata in the cat. Intestinal threadworms (Strongyloides stercoralis in the dog and S. tumefaciens in the cat) parasitize the small intestine. The identification of whipworms and threadworms, their life cycles, and the diagnosis, treatment, and control of infection are discussed in this article.